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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20260910T120000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20260910T130000
DTSTAMP:20260903T125024Z
CREATED:20260831T125853Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260903T125024Z
UID:9416-1789041600-1789045200@www.nicas-research.nl
SUMMARY:NICAS Colloquium Online - 10 september 2026
DESCRIPTION:We are pleased to announce a new\, online edition of the NICAS colloquium on Thursday 10 september 2026 starting at 12.00 hrs. The colloquium will take place online through Microsoft Teams. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThroughout the year\, NICAS organizes a bi-weekly Colloquium featuring short lunch lectures where researchers share updates\, present new ideas\, or discuss the outcomes of their work. The Colloquium aims to keep the field informed about the latest developments\, foster the exchange of knowledge\, and encourage collaboration. \n\n\n\n\n\nThis week’s presentation is by Marta Cremonesi (University of Antwerp). This session will be chaired by Lieke van Rooij (NICAS). \n[vc_separator color=”custom” border_width=”5″ accent_color=”#e8cf00″] \nAn image-based machine learning approach to evaluate cleaning efficacy within the MOXY project \nAbstract \nThe Horizon Europe MOXY project (2022–2026) investigates plasma-generated atomic oxygen (AO) as an innovative contactless cleaning technology for cultural heritage. The experimental validation of this technology on mockups and historical objects raised crucial methodological issues\, among which the need for systematic and unbiased evaluation of surface cleaning. This contribution presents the methodological framework developed within the project to systematize cleaning assessment through a benchmark approach. A specific focus is placed on cleaning efficacy evaluation\, comparing established assessment methods with a novel approach based on ML image segmentation\, adapted from existing applications in other fields. The method is of particular relevance to the conservation field\, as a TWS plug-in is available as freeware in Fiji (ImageJ)\, readily applicable to both researchers and practitioners. The presented study focuses on soot removal from highly textured substrates (pongee silk)\, addressing specific optical challenges while offering potential for application to wider scenarios with similar limitations (for more info: https://doi.org/10.1038/s40494-026-02717-y). \nBiography \nMarta Cremonesi is a conservator of polychrome wooden sculptures and easel paintings\, with a five-year MA in Conservation and Restoration from Centro Conservazione e Restauro “La Venaria Reale” in Turin\, Italy. She specialized in archaeological polychromies and laser cleaning. She is currently a PhD candidate in Physics and Conservation-Restoration of Cultural Heritage at the University of Antwerp\, within the ARCHES-AXIS research groups. Her research explores multi-analytical approaches for comparative cleaning assessment\, with a current focus on plasma-generated atomic oxygen cleaning within the Horizon Europe MOXY project.
URL:https://www.nicas-research.nl/event/nicas-colloquium-online-10-september-2026/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.nicas-research.nl/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Schermafbeelding-2020-05-06-om-21.12.09-2048x1429-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20261022T120000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20261022T130000
DTSTAMP:20260831T133312Z
CREATED:20260831T132653Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260831T133312Z
UID:9427-1792670400-1792674000@www.nicas-research.nl
SUMMARY:NICAS Colloquium Online - 22 oktober 2026
DESCRIPTION:We are pleased to announce a new\, online edition of the NICAS colloquium on Thursday 8 october 2026 starting at 12.00 hrs. The colloquium will take place online through Microsoft Teams. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThroughout the year\, NICAS organizes a bi-weekly Colloquium featuring short lunch lectures where researchers share updates\, present new ideas\, or discuss the outcomes of their work. The Colloquium aims to keep the field informed about the latest developments\, foster the exchange of knowledge\, and encourage collaboration. \n\n\n\n\n\nThis week’s presentations are by Kirill Shumikin (Univerisity of Amsterdam/ Università di Roma) and Catarina Rocha Pires (University of Amsterdam). \n[vc_separator color=”custom” border_width=”5″ accent_color=”#e8cf00″] \nLooking for change: methodologies for studying the chemical impact of MOXY surface cleaning. \nAbstract \nGiven the critical role of surface cleaning in conservation\, understanding the underlying chemistry and potential changes in artistic materials is essential. This presentation discusses approaches for investigating how cleaning affects the chemistry of oil paint layers\, based on the research carried out within the European research project MOXY\, which aims to develop atomic oxygen (AO) as a surface-cleaning method. Considered questions include the direct impact of AO treatment\, it’s magnitude and depth of effect\, mechanisms and contextualization in the conservator’s toolkit. This talk is delivered alongside a companion presentation by Catarina Rocha Pires on the cleaning efficacy of the MOXY tool\, together highlighting the value of a multidisciplinary approach for examining the same topic from complementary perspectives. \nBioraphy \nKirill Shumikhin is a PhD student under joint supervision of UvA and Sapienza University of Rome\, working in the European research project MOXY. Between 2018 and 2024 he worked as a heritage scientist at the State Tretyakov gallery in Moscow. Currently his research is aimed at developing methodologies for studying the impact from the surface cleaning techniques on the chemistry of drying oils. \n\n[vc_separator color=”custom” border_width=”5″ accent_color=”#e8cf00″] \nCleaning unvarnished modern paintings: evaluating established and emerging approaches for sensitive surfaces \nAbstract \nThe cleaning of unvarnished modern paintings presents a particular challenge in conservation\, as water sensitivity\, porosity\, low cohesion\, chalking and susceptibility to changes in gloss or texture can severely restrict treatment options. Building on initial results presented at a NICAS Colloquium in 2024\, this presentation brings together the main findings of a PhD investigating these difficult surfaces\, from understanding the material properties and degradation processes underlying their sensitivity to evaluating appropriate cleaning strategies. \nAn international survey of conservation practice informed the selection and development of representative oil and acrylic paint systems. Experimental studies explored how paint composition\, ageing and surface characteristics influence sensitivity\, soiling and response to treatment. Established and emerging cleaning approaches—including dry and gelled cleaning\, soft particle blasting\, laser cleaning and plasma-generated atomic oxygen (AO)—were comparatively evaluated in terms of cleaning efficacy and surface impact. \nThe results demonstrate that cleaning efficacy cannot be considered independently from the material and condition of the surface and highlight the limitations of conventional approaches for particularly sensitive paints. Particular attention is given to the potential and limitations of AO when conventional methods reach their limits. Together with the companion presentation examining the chemical effects of AO\, this work considers its place within the wider conservator’s toolkit. \nBiography \nCatarina Rocha Pires is a PhD candidate in Conservation and Restoration at the University of Amsterdam\, where her research focuses on the cleaning of unvarnished sensitive modern paintings within the Horizon Europe MOXY project. She holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Conservation and Restoration from NOVA School of Science and Technology in Lisbon\, Portugal. Before beginning her PhD\, she gained experience in conservation practice and conservation science through internships at the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands (RCE)\, SRAL – The Conservation Institute in Maastricht\, and several museums in Lisbon.
URL:https://www.nicas-research.nl/event/nicas-colloquium-online-22-oktober-2026/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.nicas-research.nl/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Schermafbeelding-2020-05-06-om-21.12.09-2048x1429-1.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20261105T120000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20261105T130000
DTSTAMP:20260903T125424Z
CREATED:20260831T133808Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260903T125424Z
UID:9430-1793880000-1793883600@www.nicas-research.nl
SUMMARY:NICAS Colloquium Online - 5 november 2026
DESCRIPTION:We are pleased to announce a new\, online edition of the NICAS colloquium on Thursday 5 november 2026 starting at 12.00 hrs. The colloquium will take place online through Microsoft Teams. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThroughout the year\, NICAS organizes a bi-weekly Colloquium featuring short lunch lectures where researchers share updates\, present new ideas\, or discuss the outcomes of their work. The Colloquium aims to keep the field informed about the latest developments\, foster the exchange of knowledge\, and encourage collaboration. \n\n\n\n\n\nThis week’s presentations are by Dana Melchar (Rijksmuseum) & Aspasia Kopsida (Independent Conservator\, Atelier Kapa) and Kirsten Weterings (Independent Researcher Dendrochronology). The session will be chaired by Sophie Glerum (University of Amsterdam). \n[vc_separator color=”custom” border_width=”5″ accent_color=”#e8cf00″] \nFrom Tool Mark to Dataset: Imaging Historic Woodworking Evidence for AI-Based Analysis \nAbstract \nThe NICAS-funded Digital Analysis of 17th-Century Dutch Tool Marks (DATUM) project explores how 2D digital imaging and computational methods can contribute to the study of historic woodworking practices. This presentation will focus on one of the project’s fundamental challenges: the accurate and repeatable capture of tool marks using raking light photography. Dana Melchar and Aspasia Kopsida will discuss the development of the imaging workflow\, including practical considerations such as identifying types of tool marks\, photography protocols and documentation standards. Aspasia will share and reflect on her experiences from the imaging process\, highlighting both successes and challenges in producing datasets suitable for digital analysis. \nBiographies \nDana Melchar is a furniture and wood conservator at the Rijksmuseum\, Amsterdam. Previously\, she spent eighteen years at the Victoria & Albert Museum and was lead tutor in wood conservation at the City & Guilds of London Art School. Trained as a furniture maker and holding an MSc in Art Conservation from the Winterthur/University of Delaware Program\, she is an ICON-accredited conservator. Her work focuses on wooden objects\, decorative surfaces\, and lacquer traditions. She currently leads the DATUM project\, exploring AI-based analysis of 17th-century Dutch tool marks. \nAspasia Kopsida is an independent furniture and decorative wood conservator\, holding a Bachelor’s degree from the University of West Attica\, Greece\, and Master’s and Post Master’s degrees in Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage from the University of Amsterdam. Her professional experience spans leading cultural heritage institutions and conservation workshops across the Netherlands\, France and Greece\, including the Rijksmuseum and Stichting Restauratie Atelier Limburg. Alongside her institutional work\, she runs her own conservation practice\, Atelier Kapa. Her research focuses on the conservation of furniture\, painted and decorative wood\, panel paintings\, and frames. Within the DATUM project\, she leads the photography and documentation of tool marks. \n\n[vc_separator color=”custom” border_width=”5″ accent_color=”#e8cf00″]\n\n\nDocumenting toolmarks with 3D scanning: Retracing the development of wood technology in the Euro-Atlantic region (1300 – 1600) \nAbstract \nBetween 1300 and 1600\, woodworking in the Euro-Atlantic region underwent significant changes: sawing increasingly replaced traditional techniques\, accelerated by the introduction of wind- and water-driven sawmills. The ERC project WoodCulture: Domestic forests and wood culture in Europe (1300–1600 CE)\, led by Dr. Marta Domínguez-Delmás\, combines ethnoarchaeology\, experimental archaeology\, 3D surface scanning and artificial intelligence to study these technological developments\, with the ultimate goal to create a reference database for the classification of toolmarks by period of use and geographic region.\nThis presentation will focus on the preliminary results of the first stage of the project: the development of a protocol using a handheld 3D scanner to acquire toolmark data from wooden objects\, and the advantages and challenges that come with 3D documentation. By upscaling the cataloguing of toolmarks on wooden heritage through machine learning\, the project offers a new perspective on how technological developments shaped our wooden heritage. \nBiography \nKirsten Weterings is an independent researcher specialized in dendrochronology and technical art history. After obtaining her interdisciplinary BA at University College Roosevelt\, she earned her ReMA in Art History at Utrecht University. Her research focuses on how forest management\, trade relations and woodworking technology shaped material use and workshop practices for wood in the visual and decorative arts. Currently\, Kirsten works as an assistant researcher for the WoodCulture project\, where she assists with the 3D scanning and processing of toolmarks.
URL:https://www.nicas-research.nl/event/nicas-colloquium-online-5-november-2026/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.nicas-research.nl/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Schermafbeelding-2020-05-06-om-21.12.09-2048x1429-1.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20261126T120000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20261126T130000
DTSTAMP:20260908T100714Z
CREATED:20260831T135009Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260908T100714Z
UID:9434-1795694400-1795698000@www.nicas-research.nl
SUMMARY:NICAS Colloquium Online - 26 november 2026
DESCRIPTION:We are pleased to announce a new\, online edition of the NICAS colloquium on Thursday 26 november 2026 starting at 12.00 hrs. The colloquium will take place online through Microsoft Teams. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThroughout the year\, NICAS organizes a bi-weekly Colloquium featuring short lunch lectures where researchers share updates\, present new ideas\, or discuss the outcomes of their work. The Colloquium aims to keep the field informed about the latest developments\, foster the exchange of knowledge\, and encourage collaboration. \n\n\n\n\n\nThis week’s presentations are by Jorien Duivenvoorden (University of Amsterdam) & Michiel Overhoff (University of Amsterdam) and Priscilla Cools (Technical University Eindhoven). The session will be chaired by Dorien Westert (Technical University Eindhoven). \n[vc_separator color=”custom” border_width=”5″ accent_color=”#e8cf00″] \n\n\nSalt monitoring: in-situ assessment of crystallisation – Project update \nAbstract \nThis talk presents an update on the NICAS Small Project Salt Monitoring: In-situ Assessment of Crystallisation. This project explores portable Fourier-Transform Laser Speckle Imaging (FT-LSI) for the purpose of direct non-invasive monitoring of salt transitions in situ. The presence of soluble salts in porous works of art poses significant risks to their survival. Volume change associated with salt phase transitions\, brought on by the interaction with humidity in the environment\, causes instability and loss of original material. To prevent phase transitions\, the environment around the object should be optimised. Conservators can establish the critical relative humidity that activates the salts to inform such a preventive conservation approach. However\, using existing methodologies\, it remains unclear how sensitive salts are to short-term fluctuations in their environment\, for example caused by heating a space for an event. At present\, no tool is available to establish such rapid responses on a site-specific basis. This talk presents the first stage of the project where salt-loaded mock-ups were analysed in a climate chamber. \nBiographies \nJorien Duivenvoorden is an assistant professor in the department of Conservation & Restoration of Cultural Heritage at the University of Amsterdam. Jorien is trained as a chemist (University of Amsterdam) and a wall painting conservator (The Courtauld Institute of Art\, London\, UK). Her PhD research (Rijksmuseum and University of Amsterdam) focused on transport and behaviour of water in oil paintings. Her current research concentrates on climate-induced material degradation and condition monitoring\, with a special focus on wall painting. Jorien teaches and co-coordinates the specialisation track ‘Historic Interiors’ within the master and post-master program Conservation & Restoration of Cultural Heritage at the University of Amsterdam. \nMichiel Overhoff is a practicing conservator specialized in the conservation of ceramics\, stone and related materials. He was trained as a conservator at the University of Amsterdam. Much of his current work focusses on the treatment of cultural heritage suffering from salt-induced damage. Next to his work as a private conservator\, Michiel is also a lecturer for the specialization track “Ceramics and Glass” in the master and post-master program Conservation & Restoration of Cultural Heritage at the University of Amsterdam. \n\n[vc_separator color=”custom” border_width=”5″ accent_color=”#e8cf00″]\n\n\nStress development in oil paint under cyclic relative humidity: the role of viscoelasticity\, moisture and ageing \nAbstract \nOil paintings are sensitive to fluctuations in relative humidity\, which can cause paint layers to absorb or release moisture\, resulting in expansion and contraction. Because these layers are constrained by a canvas support\, such movements can generate internal stresses and contribute to cracking. However\, the magnitude of humidity fluctuations alone is insufficient to accurately assess the development of internal stresses. \nThis study investigates how relaxation\, moisture diffusion\, and ageing influence stress development under cyclic relative humidity conditions using finite element modelling. The results show that the rate of humidity change matters: faster cycles can produce higher tensile stresses because the paint has less time to relax. Moisture diffusion affects how quickly and where moisture-related stresses develop\, while artificially aged paint showed increased stiffness and reduced relaxation time. These findings highlight the importance of considering both environmental fluctuations and changes in the mechanical behaviour of paintings when assessing conservation risk. \nBiography \nPriscilla Cools is a Structural Engineer and recent graduate of Eindhoven University of Technology. She completed her Master’s thesis in the Department of Applied Mechanics\, where she investigated the behaviour of oil paint layers under cyclic relative humidity using finite element modelling. Her research focused on the effects of viscoelasticity\, moisture diffusion\, and ageing on stress development in paint layers.
URL:https://www.nicas-research.nl/event/nicas-colloquium-online-65/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.nicas-research.nl/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Schermafbeelding-2020-05-06-om-21.12.09-2048x1429-1.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20261210T000000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20261210T130000
DTSTAMP:20260831T140301Z
CREATED:20260831T140301Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260831T140301Z
UID:9437-1796860800-1796907600@www.nicas-research.nl
SUMMARY:NICAS Colloquium Online - 10 december 2026
DESCRIPTION:We are pleased to announce a new\, online edition of the NICAS colloquium on Thursday 10 december 2026 starting at 12.00 hrs. The colloquium will take place online through Microsoft Teams. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThroughout the year\, NICAS organizes a bi-weekly Colloquium featuring short lunch lectures where researchers share updates\, present new ideas\, or discuss the outcomes of their work. The Colloquium aims to keep the field informed about the latest developments\, foster the exchange of knowledge\, and encourage collaboration. \n\n\n\n\n\nThis week’s presentations are by Emir Dizman (Technical University Eindhoven) and Ai Bagheri Behboud (Technical University Eindhoven). The session will be chaired by Lucy Clift (Univeristy of Amsterdam). \n[vc_separator color=”custom” border_width=”5″ accent_color=”#e8cf00″] \n\nA chemo-mechanical framework for the hydrolytic degradation of historical oil paint\n\nAbstract\n\nOil paintings gradually lose their mechanical integrity as moisture from the environment degrades the oil binder network. This talk presents a thermodynamically consistent chemo-mechanical framework that couples three processes: moisture diffusion through the paint film\, a reversible ester hydrolysis–condensation reaction that cleaves the binder network\, and the viscoelastic mechanical response of the film. The constitutive relations are derived considering a two-way coupling between moisture transport\, reaction kinetics\, and the mechanical state. Numerical simulations of a representative multilayer painting show that\, because the reaction is reversible\, the paint reaches a partially degraded equilibrium rather than degrading fully\, with both the extent and the rate of degradation set primarily by the ambient relative humidity.\n\nBio\n\nEmir Dizman is a PhD student at Eindhoven University of Technology\, working under the supervision of Emanuela Bosco and Akke Suiker as part of NWO Vidi Project 19655. His research focuses on developing a chemo-mechanical model of how historical oil paintings degrade\, coupling the moisture-driven hydrolysis of the oil binder with the mechanical behaviour of paint films to better understand how humidity drives their long-term deterioration.\n\n[vc_separator color=”custom” border_width=”5″ accent_color=”#e8cf00″] \n\n\nFrom Chemistry to Cracking: Multiscale Characterization of Micromechanical Behavior of Aged Oil Paints \nAbstract \nOil paints undergo significant changes in stiffness and ductility with aging\, influenced by their composition\, pigment-to-binder ratio\, and environmental conditions. This study investigates the relationship between chemical evolution and mechanical behavior in titanium white oil paints subjected to accelerated thermal aging under controlled temperature and humidity. \nA novel in-situ micro-mechanical approach\, T-PAINT (TU/e-Paint Analysis by IN-situ Tensile test)\, integrates microscopic imaging\, micro-tensile testing\, and Digital Image Correlation (DIC) to characterize stress–deformation behavior\, strain localization\, and fracture initiation. Furthermore\, FTIR spectroscopy assesses chemical changes\, while Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMTA) provides insight into viscoelastic behavior and the presence of distinct phases within the paint structure. \nThe results demonstrate a clear correlation between chemical evolution and mechanical properties\, including changes in stiffness and ductility. FTIR and DMTA further confirm second-phase formation\, highlighting the role of chemical transformations in the long-term mechanical behavior of oil paints. \nBiography \nAli Bagheri Behboud is a mechanical engineer specializing in material characterization\, experimental mechanics\, and advanced mechanical testing. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Applied Mechanics at TU/e under the supervision of Emanuela Bosco and Johan Hoefnagels\, as part of NWO Vidi Project 19655. His research focuses on the experimental micromechanics of historical oil paints\, investigating the links between material structure\, chemistry\, and mechanical behavior. As a researcher in the Multiscale Lab at TU/e\, his work bridges mechanical engineering\, polymer chemistry\, and art conservation within an interdisciplinary research environment.
URL:https://www.nicas-research.nl/event/nicas-colloquium-online-10-december-2026/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.nicas-research.nl/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Schermafbeelding-2020-05-06-om-21.12.09-2048x1429-1.png
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